Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits

Program Description

The Hawaii Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps supplement food budgets for low-income working families and individuals, people on public assistance, seniors and people with disabilities. In Hawaii, SNAP benefits are distributed through the state's Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system. SNAP represents the pledge that hunger will not be tolerated in America. It is the tangible expression of the unalterable belief that everyone has a right to food for themselves and their families. The program is the cornerstone of the Federal government's food assistance programs. It provided more than $22 billion in benefits in 1996- more than $60 million every day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers SNAP at the Federal level through its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). State agencies administer the program at the state and local levels, including determination of eligibility and allotments.

General Program Requirements

For this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Hawaii and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself).

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household Size*

Maximum Income Level (Per Year)

1

$17,615

2

$23,829

3

$30,043

4

$36,257

5

$42,471

6

$48,685

7

$54,899

8

$61,113

*For households with more than eight people, add $6,214 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this program.